Central Negros town unveils shrine for local war hero

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): Central Negros town unveils shrine for local war hero (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

HERO’S SHRINE. Armed Forces chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (3rd from left), Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (2nd from right), and Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan (3rd from right) lead the unveiling of the marker and bust pedestal of Negrense war hero, 1Lt. Lolinato To-ong Sr., at the Cabacungan Elementary School grounds in La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Thursday (May 13, 2021). An officer of the Philippine Marine Corps who died in a battle against the MILF rebels in Maguindanao 21 years ago, To-ong was a posthumous recipient of the highest military award for courage, the Medal of Valor. (Photo courtesy of 3rd ID Public Affairs Office, Philippine Army)

A Negrense war hero, who sacrificed his life in a clash between government troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) secessionists in Maguindanao 21 years ago, was honored with a shrine unveiled in his hometown of La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Thursday.

Lolinato To-ong Sr., a first lieutenant in the Philippine Marine Corps, was a posthumous recipient of the Philippines’ highest military award for courage, the Medal of Valor.

The unveiling of To-ong’s marker and bust pedestal was graced by Armed Forces chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who was the guest of honor and speaker, in rites held on the grounds of Cabacungan Elementary School, alma mater of To-ong.

“Today, we convene and honor a true modern-day hero whose gallantry and sacrifice amidst the intense firefight against the MILF rebels prevented the enemies’ advance which saved the lives of his comrades. With his remarkable courage, it is with great honor that I join the people of La Castellana in the unveiling of this shrine that memorialized the heroic deeds of the late 1Lt. Lolinato To-ong Sr.,” the country’s top military official said.

Sobejana, a Negrense from Zamboanguita town, and also a recipient of the Medal of Valor, added that “it is through the selflessness and dedication of men like 1Lt. To-ong that the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to attain notable accomplishments in fulfilling its mandate of bringing and securing the peace for the people in our communities”.

“Notably, this shrine, most appropriately constructed within the grounds of this humble institution that nurtures the future generation, be a constant reminder of the heroism of 1Lt. To-ong as exhibited in the line of duty,” he added.

To-ong, then 39, was recognized for “acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry beyond the call of duty as a member of 39th Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Navy, during the assault on heavily fortified enemy bunkers at the vicinity of Poblacion Matanog, Maguindanao on April 30, 2000”.

During the attack, To-ong and fellow enlisted Marine Sgt. Domingo Delua were “fatally wounded by an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) blast while providing suppressive fire to cover the medical evacuation of wounded fellow Marine personnel.”

“His ultimate sacrifice saved several soldiers in one of the most ferocious battles between the military and the MILF,” the marker for To-ong, who joined the Philippine Navy in 1979, read.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the sacrifice made by To-ong, along with the sacrifices of past and present heroes, is another proof that freedom is not free.
“A lot was paid for us to be in this free and democratic society. To the To-ong family, please know that 1Lt. To-ong’s fellow Negrenses will take inspiration and will always remember his valiant deed,” he said.

“This is our way of immortalizing his valor and heroism both for the present and future generations. As a people, we need to have a constant reminder of things that are noble and honorable for us to look up to, to value, and to emulate,” Lacson added.

Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan expressed pride in honoring a war hero from her municipality.

“(This) is a special day to reflect on the true meaning of courage, service and selflessness. There are many stories of combat, but the Medal of Valor is special. It is awarded only to the bravest. On behalf of the people of La Castellana, I am very proud that a La Castelleño is acknowledged on the wall of heroes,” she added.

Rev. Fr. Ludovico To-ong, the younger brother of 1Lt. To-ong, said their family not only takes honor and pride in the late soldier’s heroism, but also considers it as a challenge and a responsibility as well.

“We need honorable and heroic people for the good of our land. To my dear nephews and nieces, this honor brings dignity to our family, but at the same, we have that great responsibility to preserve the legacy,” he added.

Fr. To-ong said they are consoled by the honor and support given by the government, through the AFP and the local governments, to his brother and their family.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140140